This is the story of a large geological map of Otago, originally compiled by James Hector in 1864. The original is held in the Hocken Collections, University of Otago and a copy is on display in the Geology Museum

The early days of James Hector

James Hector was born in Edinburgh, and studied for a medical degree at the University of Edinburgh. In those days medicine was much less specialised than it is today, and his course included lectures in geology and botany. Hector was an outstanding student in these areas, undertaking independent fieldwork, and attracting attention as a natural leader.

In 1856, when Hector was completing his studies, John Palliser was planning an expedition to explore remote parts of what is now western Canada under the auspices of the Royal Geographical Society. Based on recommendations from his professors at Edinburgh, James Hector was appointed to be geologist and surgeon. The expedition was away for more than three years, and had to be largely self-sufficient, aided by local hunters and guides. At the end of that period they had explored a huge area and systematically searched for passes through the Rocky Mountains. The expedition was regarded as a success, and Hector's work on the geology and other areas of natural science attracted praise. He returned to London to write up the final expedition report in 1860.

Otago Geological Survey

In 1861 the Otago Provincial Council decided to commission a geological survey in the hope of finding minerals, especially gold. Unsure of exactly what this might involve, they approached the noted Scottish geologist, Sir Roderick Murchison, for advice. Murchison was president of the Royal Geographical Society, and recommended Hector for the position as well as advising what equipment and assistance he would require. Because of slow communications between Otago and the UK, it took almost a year to conclude negotiations. Hector was to be employed on contract for three years, and at the end of the period he was expected to provide the Provincial Council with a map and report on the geology and mineral resources of Otago. He arrived in Otago in April 1862, having spent a month visiting the thriving goldfields in Victoria, Australia.